Directions:
August 21 - Wallace Lake, Berea – Mill Stream Run Reservation
- Program meets at Wallace Lake in the southwest corner of the main parking lot the first night. Look for a SUP trailer as a guide. Instructors will meet you at the “Program Meets Here” sign. See the attached map.
August 28 - Emerald Necklace Marina, Lakewood – Rocky River Reservation
September 4 - Wendy Park, Cleveland – Lakefront Reservation. See the attached map.
Ages: 14 & over (Minors between the ages of 12-17 MUST have a registered and participating adult)
Fee: $90 per person (All guests MUST register)
Includes: board & equipment
Terrain/Distance: 2-4 miles in an open water environment with wind and waves up to 2’.
Prerequisite: Learn-It: SUP, Beginner SUP Skills Series and/or previous SUP experience that allows you to stand on your board without falling while paddling. This course is intended for guests who have previous SUP experience and can remain standing if a small rolling wave from boat traffic comes their way. It is NOT intended for guests wanting to try a SUP for the first time. First time guests should check out our Try-It: SUP or Beginner SUP Skills Series.
This course will begin in the calm waters of Wallace Lake where we’ll review basic SUP techniques as well as introduce you to more advanced paddle techniques, fluently moving on the board, bracing, and rescues. At some point during the course, there will even be a resuce rodeo! For the second session, we’ll meet at the Emerald Necklace Marina to paddle on the Rocky River. We’ll practice and learn new skills as we travel along the last mile of the Rocky River and into Lake Erie where you’ll be able to experience wind, waves, and its effects on paddlers. The final session will take place at Wendy Park, where you’ll paddle in Cleveland’s busy inner harbor where discussions of the nautical rules of the road and its application to paddlers is the predominate theme. Guests should leave the course with a deeper understanding of identifying and evaluating risks while paddling in an open water environment as well as more advanced paddling techniques to enhance their SUP experience!
The entire program will be spent outside, so all guests should come dressed to paddle and be in the water. Bring a towel and extra set of clothes. Dry bags or Ziplock bags work well for items you choose to bring on the water with you; Cleveland Metroparks is not responsible for any items you bring on the water. Dress in non-cotton layers such as synthetic materials, fleece, wool, etc. Please bring a completed waiver and review the equipment list. Classes will begin promptly each day, so plan to arrive early.
Board Capacity & Size:
Stand Up Paddleboards are more unstable when individuals are at or near the capacity of the equipment. Boats/equipment used for this facility/program can accommodate a capacity up to 300 pounds.
General Information:
By registering, you acknowledge that you have read and understand the cancellation policy.
General Essential Eligibility Requirements that all participants must meet. A participant….
- …must meet minimum age and pre-trip meeting requirements for each individual program.
- …must meet program fee requirements for each individual program.
- …must be able to remain adequately hydrated, fed, and properly dressed in order to avoid environmental injuries such as hypothermia, heat-related illnesses, sunburn, and frostbite.
- …must refrain from use of alcohol and tobacco before or during outdoor recreation activities and any illegal drugs throughout the duration of a program.
- …must be able, either alone or with the aid of a personal care attendant, or through arrangements outlined on the Request for Administration of Medication Form or an Individual Medication Plan to manage, administer and protect any prescription medications currently prescribed to him or her. All medications, including over-the-counter medications shall be listed as required on the Medical Information portion of the registration materials.
- …must be able, either alone, with the aid of an augmentative communication device, or a personal care attendant to follow directions and communicate needs.
- …must not exceed manufacturers’ maximum recommended weight limit for equipment being used.
- …must be able to manage personal mobility either alone, with a reasonable amount of assistance, with the aid of a personal care attendant, or with adaptive equipment.
- …must be able, in the event of an unexpected capsize, to breathe independently and maintain a seal with their mouth (i.e. not require medical devices to sustain breathing), and independently demonstrate the ability to self-right him or herself from face down to face up position while wearing the appropriate PFD.
- …must be able to independently hold their head and neck upright (without restraints), in order to maintain proper body positioning, avoid an unexpected capsize, and freely exit watercraft.
- …must be able to reenter the watercraft in deep water independently or with a reasonable amount of assistance.
- …must be able to independently wear and maintain wearing all safety equipment correctly including but not limited to a United States Coast Guard approved lifejacket.
- …must be able to, for extended trips only, travel in a physically demanding, remote backcountry environment for the uninterrupted period of the trip length, which can range from one to ten days with varying temperatures and environmental conditions including but not limited to, rain snow, hail, sun, and wind. The remoteness is such that cell signal may be unavailable, and it may require at minimum an hour, but perhaps in excess of 2 days travel to reach the nearest road and advanced medical care; participant assumes all costs associated with rescue.
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All boating programs are funded in part through a grant from the Ohio Department of Natural Resources, Division of Parks & Watercraft.